Alexander Dick was the oldest son of Hugh Dick. He was made an apprentice of Patrick Roberson of Gallowflat in Glasgow on 3 October 1783. On 7 February 1786, a Writer’s Ticket was presented on behalf of George III and signed by the king and Jar Robertson Barclay.

Alexander married Clementina Baird on 30 September 1793. The couple received eleven children Hugh (born 1795), Catharine Gordon (born 1796), David (born 1798), Clementina (22 August 1800), Elisabeth (born 1802), Janet (born 1804), Margaret Wilsone (born 1806), Janet Columbia (born 1807), Lillian Harriet (born 1810), Mary (born 1812) and Alexander (1814). Four of whom died young. He was later known as Alexander Dick of Toryburn (Torryburn).